Utility knives are great all-rounders to have in the kitchen. Bigger than a paring knife, yet smaller than a chef’s knife, they are perfect for those between jobs. I generally use mine for scoring, cutting sandwiches, cheeses or dessert bars, slicing fruit, or carving meat. I like the size of a utility knife: it is lighter and more compact than a chef’s knife, making it easy to get into hard to reach places or making odd shaped cuts.
Global Performance
I’ve had my
Global 11cm Kitchen Knife for years and it has probably been my most regularly used knife. It weighs a light 80g, is fairly short in length and features the signature dotted pattern found on the handle of all Global knives, which makes it very easy to grip. I particularly have found the short length to be useful, as it can twist and turn and get into tight spaces, such as when working around the breastplate of a roast chicken. Also, Global knives simply rinse clean under running water in no time at all, thanks to being forged from one continuous piece of stainless steel. This feature also makes these knives the most hygienic on the market.
Shun Craftsmanship
The
Shun Dual Core Utility Knife is a thing of real beauty. Each knife is handcrafted and the striking pattern on the knife blade is created by forging together 71 layers of two separate types of carbon stainless steel, which together create an extremely strong and sharp blade. As well as looking beautiful, this pattern helps food easily slide off the knife edge as it is cut, so that you can be more precise with your slices. The handle is made from ebony wood and is cut into an octagon shape which allows for a full hand grip.
User’s Notes
The following table lists some notes I’ve made through using and comparing the two utility knives:
|
Global |
Shun |
| Weight |
80g: allows for faster work |
115g: allows for steadiness |
| Length |
11cm: allows for manoeuvrability |
15cm: allows for more precision |
| Grip |
Great for small hands |
Best for large hands |
| Cleaning |
Superb, simply rinses clean |
Needs to be hand washed and dried properly to avoid corrosion |
| Sharpness |
Excellent. Needs sharpening only with heavy usage. |
Superior: two types of steel wear down at different rates causing the blade to stay sharper longer. |
| Performance |
Best for jobs requiring getting into tricky areas/angles |
Best for delicate slicing or carving |
| Durability |
Very strong, but mine has chipped before (only when misused as a screwdriver!) |
Very strong, but best for precision cutting, not through bone or thick rinds
|
Utility Knife Comparison Outcomes
Shun knives are uniquely beautiful and perform extremely well. The length of the knife adds to the feel of elegant precision- this knife easily slides through the skin of tomatoes, which is always an excellent test of a knife. I also like that Shun knives come with a portable safety sheaf. With the right care, they will last a long time. These knives are very special and will be treasured whether used by a keen home cook or professional working chef.
The Global Kitchen utility knife is my go-to for manoeuvrability and speed. The lighter weight and smaller handle allows me to zip through my tasks with ease and comfort. The speed at which it is cleaned is also a very useful quality. I have seen this knife used in many professional kitchens: chefs know and trust the Global brand.
My verdict: Choose Global for comfort, ease, reliability and familiarity. Choose Shun as a special gift for a food aficionado, or if you are needing a great knife for delicate precision work.
To view the complete range of Global knives available click here
To view the complete range of Shun knives available click here
About the Author:
Becky Gilhespie is a food writer and former Masterchef semi-finalist. Her blog,
www.eatwhatweeat.com provides inspiration for meals that both kids and adults love. They are elegant yet simple, easy to follow recipes that are fast to get on the table and use every day ingredients.
Becky is originally from the US but lived in London for 15 years and now resides in Sydney with her husband and two little boys. Her food is inspired a lot by her travels (and desire to travel more).
